Widnes FC return to the Select Security Stadium on Saturday knowing that a win against Cheadle Town will go a long way in their fight for promotion at the top of the Hallmark Security League First Division.

Widnes’ superb league form under Joey Dunn has lifted the Whites into the play-off positions with 11 games left to play. Dunn’s side have lost just one of their last 15 league outings, and come into Saturday’s off the back of three straight league victories.

Dunn’s side sit fifth in the First Division – eight points off the top two – with multiple games in-hand on the teams currently occupying the automatic promotion places.

Widnes’ promotion aspirations are now firmly in their own hands, but they must be wary of a Cheadle Town side whose form has picked up in recent weeks.

Terry Hincks’ side have lost their last two league outings, but had won five of their previous six league games, with impressive victories over Silsden and Daisy Hill. Town were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Alsager Town last time out, with Justin Pickering netting 15 minutes from time.

However, Widnes will be confident of continuing their promotion push by earning three points at home after an accomplished performance at Holker Old Boys on Tuesday night.

Kev Towey’s 34th goal of the season put Widnes ahead, but Dunn’s side were dealt a blow on the stroke of half-time after Billy Webb was shown a straight red card. Nevertheless, Widnes held on to their narrow advantage to secure a third straight victory with a tenacious second half performance.

Recent Form

Widnes’ Last Six…

Holker Old Boys (A) – Won 1-0
City of Liverpool (A) – Lost 3-0 (Reusch First Division Cup SF Second Leg)
Barnoldswick Town (H) – Lost 1-0 (Macron Cup QF)
Ashton Town (A) – Won 6-0
Carlisle City (A) – Won 3-0
City of Liverpool (H) – Lost 1-0 (Reusch First Divisino Cup SF First Leg)

Cheadle Town’s Last Six…

Alsager Town (A) – Lost 2-1
Bacup Borough (H) – Lost 1-0
Eccleshall (A) – Won 5-1
Carlisle City (H) – Won 2-1
Holker Old Boys (H) – Won 3-1
Daisy Hill (H) – Won 4-0

Last Time We Met…

A starring performance from George Lomax saw Widnes through to the Third Round of the Macron Cup back in October.

The two sides met in the Second Round with Lomax’s brace – separated by a Towey penalty – ensured that Widnes progressed through to the Last 16 where Dunn’s side travelled to Premier Division side Winsford United.

Most Recent Meetings…

WIDNES 3-0 Cheadle Town – 28/10/16 – Macron Cup Second Round
Cheadle Town 1-4 WIDNES – 28/09/16 – First Division
Cheadle Town 2-0 WIDNES – 31/10/15 – First Division
WIDNES 1-1 Cheadle Town – 17/08/15 – First Division
WIDNES 0-4 Cheadle Town – 14/03/15 – First Division
Cheadle Town 3-5 WIDNES – 08/10/14 – First Division

Joey Dunn looks ahead…

Manager Joey Dunn is anticipating another tough game for his side with the visit of Cheadle.

He said: "Their results have picked up from when we've played and beat them twice earlier this season.

"They were a playoff side last season and had a good side.

"Over the course of the first half of the season, they stuttered a bit but they've picked up some good results recently.

"We have to make sure that we prepare right and do things correctly.

"We know it'll be a tough game but we have to do what we need to do."